Arsenal-PSV game in London off ahead of queen’s funeral
UEFA and Arsenal face challenges in rescheduling the game amid the congestion caused by the World Cup being played in November and December in Qatar.
Arsenal’s home game in the Europa League this week was postponed by UEFA on Monday because of the limited police resources available after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The north London club was due to host PSV Eindhoven on Thursday, when the city will be preparing for the state funeral on Sept. 19.
UEFA said the postponement was “due to the severe limitations on police resources and organizational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning” for the queen.
On Sunday, UEFA agreed to push back the Champions League game between Rangers and Napoli by one day to Wednesday because of policing issues in Scotland. Fans of the Italian club have been urged not to travel to Glasgow to help further limit demand on public services.
UEFA and Arsenal face challenges in rescheduling the game amid the congestion caused by the World Cup being played in November and December in Qatar.
Arsenal has no clear midweek dates before the Europa League groups are scheduled to finish on Nov. 3, with the round of 16 draw scheduled for Nov. 7.
Domestic games across Europe must stop by Nov. 13 when players selected for the 32 World Cup squads have to be released to their national teams.
Arsenal was playing its opening game in the Europa League in Switzerland when the 96-year-old queen’s death was formally announced last Thursday. The Arsenal and Zurich teams observed a minute’s silence on the field before the second half kicked off in St. Gallen.
After all soccer in England was postponed over the weekend, games are set to resume on Tuesday.
